CHILD CARE
Free Preschool Resources in Lane County
Both Preschool Promise and Head Start offer free, high quality preschool to Lane County families, but with different program offerings and eligibility requirements. Scroll down to see how these two programs compare, then click on the buttons in the purple section of this page to learn even more about each program and their local preschool sites - including how your family can apply!
Free, high-quality, part-day and full-day preschool, parenting education, and support for families with children ages prenatal-5 years, including pregnant individuals.
Head Start
Both programs are FREE, and have classrooms with wrap around child care that can be covered by Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), and/or sometimes by Parent Pay.
Cost & Length of Day
Head Start: Child must be prenatal-5 years, and family must live in Lane County.
Age & Address Eligibility
Head Start: Gives priority to families currently experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, families at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL), households receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP or ERDC benefits. Families who are over the prioritized income range are placed on a space available basis.
Income Eligibility
Locations
Both programs have locations around Lane County in public schools and childcare centers. Preschool Promise also features some providers with high-quality home-based settings. Check out the Preschool Promise & Head Start site directory to learn more about each program!
Preschool Promise
Preschool Promise: Free, high-quality, full-time preschool for families with children ages 3 & 4.
Preschool Promise: Child must be 3 or 4 at the beginning of the program year, and family must live in Oregon.
Preschool Promise: Family must live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Income maximum does not apply to children in foster care.
Families receiving ERDC, WIC, SNAP, and/or TANF benefits may qualify for Preschool Promise. Families who spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs may also qualify.
Both programs include FREE supplies and healthy meals for all students.
Meals & Supplies
Summer Programs
Head Start: Some programs offered year-round, including during summer.
Preschool Promise: Programs do not operate during the summer.
Learn more about Head Start of Lane County, including eligibility requirements and order of selection, and apply for your family to participate through the button below!
Learn more about Preschool Promise, including eligibility requirements and order of selection, and apply for your family to participate through the button below!